Abdulhafid to return to SMH Ob/Gyn department, start date not
set

Posted August
28, 2014

Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) announced this morning Dr.
Adel Abdulhafid is returning to its obstetrical department replacing Dr.
Glasine Lawson who has resigned her position as of September 1, 2014.
His start date has not been confirmed. He is currently the Chief of
Obstetrics at Barrhead Healthcare Centre in Alberta.

"I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Lawson for her
contributions to Stevenson as we worked to rejuvenate our program and
ensure that women in our community continue to have access to
high-quality obstetrical and gynecological services," said Jody Levac,
President and CEO at Stevenson, in a press release issued this morning.

The transition gap between Dr. Lawson's exit, and Dr.
Abdulhafid's start time is being filled by Dr. Richard Simms, whose
returned to the hospital as a part-time Obstetrician, along with a
roster of local physicians (LOCUMs) until the new full-time physician
arrives.

"While the departure of Dr. Lawson is a loss to the Maternal
Child Program at Stevenson, providing high quality birthing services
remains our priority," said Dr. Oswaldo Ramirez, Chief of Staff. "We
have experienced tremendous upward momentum and impressive progress
over the past few years and would like to extend our thanks to Dr.
Lawson for her dedication and professionalism. We wish her all the
best."

Dr. Abdulhafid's previous stint at SMH, which ended about
eight years ago, was also marked by medical shortages in the obstetrics
department which led to the two year closure of the birthing unit in
Alliston. In 2013, the hospital reported 354 deliveries.

"We are so grateful to Dr. Lawson for her role in building and
maintaining the safe, reliable obstetrics and gynecology program that
our community so passionately advocated for," said Registered Midwife
Marcia Rowat. "We look forward to the ongoing stability that Dr.
Abdulhafid will offer the invaluable women's health-care programs
championed by Stevenson Memorial Hospital."

Dr. Abdulhafid is certified with the Royal College of
Physicians and Surgeons and has passed the specialty exam in
obstetrics/gynaecology.

"Transferring from one province to another can take time for a
physician, and we are working with the CPSO to complete the extensive
process," said Dr. Ramirez. "We are confident that our transition plan
will ensure seamless and uninterrupted obstetrical and gynaecological
services at Stevenson Memorial Hospital."